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30 | Page May 9 I ssueNotice of Available Funding: Federal John R Justice Student Loan Repayment Program %u2013 Office of the Kansas GovernorFunds are available from the Federal John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program for the calendar year 2025. The purpose of this program is to provide student loan repayment assistance for full-time local, state and federal government public defenders and full-time local and state government prosecutors who commit to serving as public defenders and prosecutors for at least three years. Kansas has $63,070 available to award to prosecutors and public defenders.Federal John R. Justice Loan Repayment funds awarded under this program are a supplement to, not a substitute for, personal student loan obligations. To be eligible to receive funding, an attorney must not be in default on repayment of any federal student loans. For a copy of the grant application, please contact Kim Gerety at 785-368-6620; kim.gerety@ks.gov. All applications must be postmarked to the Kansas Governor%u2019s Grants Program by Wednesday, June 4, 2025.Commerce Launches SIGNS Grant to Boost Downtown RevitalizationThe Kansas Department of Commerce launched the Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant, a new initiative aimed to improve the appearance and appeal of retail and commercial business signage in downtowns across the state. The total funding amount available is $250,000 and will be distributed to support innovative, high-quality signage projects.Eligible applicants are businesses or building owners, municipalities, Main Street organization, economic development groups, chambers, foundations, tribal organization and other nonprofit community entities. Communities can apply for funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with a required cash match based on the community%u2019s population:%u2022 50% match for communities with populations between 2,500 and 50,000%u2022 25% match for communities with fewer than 2,500 residentsTo preserve the unique character of Kansas%u2019 historic downtowns, the grant prioritizes projects that adhere to the Kansas Commerce Sign Guidelines, ensuring that all signage complements existing architectural features. Preference will be given to three-dimensional signs created and installed by Kansas-based businesses.Funds will be used to enhance community vitality and contribute to the downtown%u2019s historical and aesthetic character. Awarded funds can be used for the design, purchase, lighting and installation of